Microsoft has released new Windows 11 Insider builds that introduce quick Xbox mode settings for Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and power, alongside a comprehensive overhaul of the search function that now includes filtering, actionable results and phone controls.
The latest Insider builds give users the ability to adjust Xbox gaming mode settings such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and power without exiting gaming mode. The search improvements allow filtering by files, actions or web results, and users can perform actions directly from the search box, including changing screen brightness or volume and making calls from a connected phone. Results can display detailed file metadata like last-modified date and author, or pull in charts for stock prices and weather forecasts. Users can train the search by clicking inline thumbs-up or thumbs-down icons to help it improve over time.
The two available builds are Beta Build 26220.9836 and Experimental Build 26340.9843.
Analysis
Why This Matters
- Gamers get quicker access to system settings without leaving their game, improving the gaming experience on Windows 11.
- The search overhaul makes it more powerful and interactive, potentially reducing the need for third-party search tools and integrating phone actions into the desktop workflow.
- The thumbs-up/down training feature hints at Microsoft's effort to personalise and improve search over time, which could lead to smarter user interfaces across Windows.
Background
Windows Insider builds let users test features before they reach the general public. Microsoft has been steadily refining Windows 11 with a focus on gaming (Xbox integration) and productivity (search, phone link). These builds indicate the direction of future stable updates.
What to Watch
- Whether these search and Xbox features make it into a future Windows 11 feature update for all users.
- How the thumbs-up/down training affects search accuracy and user feedback on privacy.
- The timeline for release of beta and experimental builds to more Insider channels.
Checked
9 claims in this story checked against 1 source: 9 supported.
Show each claim
- SupportedWindows 11 Insider builds add Xbox shortcuts and revamped search.The Verge: “The latest Windows Insider builds revamp search with filters, actions, and phone controls.”
- SupportedMicrosoft has released new Windows 11 Insider builds.The Verge: “Beta Build 26220.9836 and Experimental Build 26340.9843 are both available now to Windows Insiders.”
- SupportedThe search overhaul includes filtering, actionable results and phone controls.The Verge: “The latest Windows Insider builds revamp search with filters, actions, and phone controls.”
- SupportedUsers can adjust Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and power settings without leaving Xbox gaming mode.The Verge: “The Xbox shortcuts let you control things like Bluetooth, WiFi, and power settings without having to exit gaming mode.”
- SupportedUsers can filter search results for files, actions or web results.The Verge: “You can now filter results for files, actions, or web results.”
- SupportedSearch lets users change screen brightness or volume and perform actions on a connected phone, including making calls.The Verge: “You can also use the search box to perform actions like changing the screen brightness or volume, and even perform actions on a connected phone, including making calls.”
- SupportedSearch results can show a file’s last-modified date and author, or charts for stock prices and weather forecasts.The Verge: “Results can also offer much more detail, like when a file was last modified and its author, or pull in charts for stock prices and weather forecasts.”
- SupportedUsers can train Windows 11 search using inline thumbs-up or thumbs-down icons.The Verge: “And you can train Windows 11 search by clicking inline thumbs-up or thumbs-down icons to help it improve over time.”
- SupportedThe builds are Beta Build 26220.9836 and Experimental Build 26340.9843.The Verge: “Beta Build 26220.9836 and Experimental Build 26340.9843 are both available now to Windows Insiders.”
